Immune defence to neurovirulent recombinant influenza A virus in the senescence-accelerated mouse / 中国免疫学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the immune defence against acute encephalitis induced by the highly neurovirulent recombinant R404BP strain of influenza A virus.Methods:A murine model system for a lethal encephalitis due to influenza has been established by stereotaxic microinjection with the recombinant R404BP strain of influenza A virus into the olfactory bulb of the senescence-accelerated mouse(SAM) strain P1 mice. The mortality of infected mice, clearance of infected neurons and induced cellular immune responses were investigated.Results:The SAM-P1 mice showed a higher rate of mortality with prolonged virus shedding. The increased susceptibility was associated with impaired activity of both NK cells and virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes.Conclusion:The decreased Th1 immune responses in the senescence-accelerated mouse might be responsible for the low defence system against neurovirulent recombinant influenza A virus.